Peter “Pete” Riis, age 42, of Norridge since 2004, formerly of Chicago, passed away Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center after a courageous 3 1/2 year battle with Ewing’s sarcoma. Pete is survived by his wife, Marisa Riis, nee Saisakorn, whom he married November 28, 1986; a son, Andrew Riis, age 15; his mother Lillian Riis, nee Nyblom; three brothers, Jon Riis, Paul (Kathy) Riis and David (Terri) Riis; a mother and father-in-law, Nonglugsana and Bunchop Saisakorn; a sister-in-law, Jennie (Stuart) Sandberg; a brother-in-law, James Saisakorn; five nieces, Erica, Dana, Melissa, Iris, Michela; two nephews, Matthew and Kyle; an uncle, Roy (Joan) Riis and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Riis. Pete graduated from Maine High School in Park Ridge in 1981 and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1985. Pete had a B.S. in Microbiology and worked in technical service for biomedical company for 13 years. When the company relocated to New Jersey, he took the opportunity to change his career. He was a technical writer for Magic Lantern Playware. In his spare time, he wrote articles for his website, www.newcompanion.com. His articles covered a wide spectrum of eclectic topics, ranging from movie reviews and literary criticism to observations on life. He had a thirst for knowledge and read books, literary and scientific journals voraciously. Pete had a dry wit and enjoyed observing and commenting on life’s absurdities. He loved life, his family and his friends. Despite his long battle with an aggressive cancer, he maintained his sense of humor and remained optimistic until the end. He touched the lives of all around him with his kind, gentle and generous spirit. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. Visitation Monday, June 19 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6467-73 N. Northwest Hwy. (1 blk N. of Devon), Chicago. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 20, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Andrew Riis Education Fund would be welcome. Info 773-774-3333.
